INDEX
What are the best Drum Sets for a beginner?
Do I need a drumset to learn how to play?
What type of drumset should I buy?
Where can I find drum tabs?
Where can I find drum lessons on the web?
How do I tune a drumset?
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What are the best Drum Sets for a beginner?
There are a few factors to consider when selecting a drum kit for a beginner: Student Age, Budget and Application. If the new Drummer is very young and may not stick with it very long there are two directions you can go. One is to go with the minimal investment approach. This way if the student doesn’t stick with it you can sell and recoup part of what you originally paid for it. The problem with this approach is if the student sticks with it they will eventually need to upgrade and in the long run you may end up spending more, overall.
The other scenario is to get a kit that can go beyond the formative years of training. This way there won’t be a need to upgrade for a while. If the new drummer decides to give it up you can still get a substantial amount of your investment back because you bought a better, more expensive drum kit.
Now if the budget just is not there to do the initial higher level drum set then depending on the budget you will have fewer and fewer choices of what you can demand for your money. As far as application goes...An entry level inexpensive kit will not stand up to the riggers of a gigging drummer. If the intension is to put the kit in the corner of a room and practice the rudimentary skills of drumming it will be fine.
Information provided courtsey of Clay Reed at Rainbow Guitars
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Do I need a drumset to learn how to play?
No, most drummers start with a pair of sticks and a practice pad. I didn't even have a practice pad and instead used a phone book. Ultimately it would be best to have both a drum set and practice pads. In fact most professional drummers use practice pads all the time to keep up with their chops while on the road, or for warming up prior to shows. You can even practice on your knees and/or by clapping. I had one student who took lessons from me for several years and he became a really good drummer simply by practicing on a couch and some pillows. Practice is the key to success and most of us are not that dedicated so having an actual drum set to practice on is more motivating.
Most young students beginning in middle school band are required to rent a snare drum/bell kit. This includes a pair of sticks, snare drum and stand, practice pad and a bell kit with mallets. In fact middle school music programs generally start percussionists on the bells, before they even touch a drum. I find some students get discouraged by this practice, as they signed up to play drums, not bells. However, learning to play bells is a good thing and the snare drum/bell kit is a good option for young student who you aren't certain if they are going to stick with it. Here is an opportunity to motivate kids to practice. If they practice on their pad and snare drum and get good grades in band and improve on their instrument they can earn a drum set.
There are variety of practice pads available for different purposes and most are relatively cheap ranging from $25-$45. I would ask your drum teacher for advise on which one he or she would recommend.
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What type of drumset should I buy?
The main thing I look for is MAPLE SHELLS. I usually recommend one with a 22" bass drum. Lacquered finishs look GREAT for studios where it won't be moved often as they are more prone to scratchs, dents and effects of weather. For this reason I suggest wrapped shells (vinyl) for beginners and gigging, as they stand up to wear and tear better.
Drum sets come in many sizes and configurations. A five piece set is a typical modern configuration. Following are a bunch of links with explanations for drums on the web. I listed the drum companys in order of my personal preferances, starting with my first choice;
DW Drums offers custom professional kits mada in the USA and can be very pricey (more than $2000). They also make great hardware. Usually when you buy higher end drum sets, they are sold in SHELL KITS and don't come with hardware like cymbals, stands and pedals.
http://www.dwdrums.com
Ludwig is a classic drum company made in the USA, dating back to 1909. The Classic Maple kits are professional level sets, and have been used on many famous recordings. The Vistalite line has clear shells, made famous by John Bonham from Led Zeppelin. The Accent series is their mid level kit and would be good beginner set. Ludwig drums hold their value.
http://www.ludwig-drums.comGrestch is another classic drum company manufactured mostly in the USA. They have been around since 1883. The USA Custom, Broadcaster and Brooklyn kits are professional level drums. The Catalina series are a medium to pro level kit and the Energy line is their entry level drums.
https://www.gretschdrums.com/drumsPacific Drums are made by DW drums and include similar hardware and features. They make entry to professional kits at affordable prices. I used to own a Blue Onyx CX Series Pacific kit and really love it. This kit has everything you want in a kit.
http://www.pacificdrums.com
TAMA drums offer entry level to professional kits. I had a Tama Rock Star which I really liked. The Rock Star series no longer exists. I bought it used and eventually the vinvyl finish started worping, so I traded it in. It did maintain its value. I bought it in 1995 for $600 and traded it in for $450 in 2004. I like Tama hardware. .
http://www.tama.com
Pearl drums are nice. I have played on several sets and they sound great. They offer alot of awesome finish's and good entry level kits.
http://www.pearldrum.com
Yamaha is also worth considering. Their professional level sets are known for being great in the recording studio, and have been played by alot of famour drummers including Steve Gadd.
https://usa.yamaha.com
Following are some cymbal company web sites;
Zildjian is the premier cymbal company currently made in USA, and originally from Istanbul, Turkey. They have been in business for over 400 years and for along time were THE only cymbal to buy. They make highend (K and A Custom) cymbals and great entry level cymbals (ZBT or ZXT) . Cast cymbals are preferable to Sheet bronze. Cymbal packs are a great way to get matched cymbals and save money.
https://zildjian.com/
Sabian is Zildjian's younger brother who stole the family recipe and moved to Canada and started his own company. Very comparable to Zildjian in quality and can be cheaper in price.
http://www.sabian.com
MEINL is a German percussion company. I'm not too familiar with them.
http://www.meinlcymbals.com
Other Drum and Music Resources;
I always like to compare prices using SWEETWATER, GUITAR CENTER, SAM ASH, WASHINGTON MUSIC and MUSICIANS FRIEND;https://www.sweetwater.com
http://www.guitarcenter.com
http://www.samash.com/home
http://www.washingtonmusic.com
http://www.musiciansfriend.com
Drum magazines offer reviews and great info on everything to do with drums and music;
http://www.drummagazine.com
http://www.moderndrummer.com
Used drums can be a great opten so don't forget to check out Craigslist and EBay as well. Hope this helps....................................................................................................................................................................
I would suggest YouTube for tutorials which ofter include sheet music or tabs. Make sure to read the comments section below the videos as they often provide links to free tabs.
For a good archive check out https://www.drumscore.com/
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Where can I find drum lessons on the web?
I would suggest starting on YouTube, there are alot of free drum lessons and trailers available for free. Subscribe to the YouTube channels you find so you get updates and fresh content delivered to your SUBSRIPTIONS page.
I have some suggested channels on my LINKS/DRUM LESSON WEBSITES page as well.
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~coming soon~
